Statements and Speeches

WELCOME MESSAGE BY BO ASPLUND
RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME INDONESIA

ON THE OCCASION OF THE LAUNCHING OF THE PROGRAMME OF SUPPORT FOR DEEPENING DEMOCRACY IN INDONESIA; BAPPENAS-UNDP MOU SIGNING AND PANEL DISCUSSION

Jakarta, 2 March 2006

Excellencies,

State Minister for National Development Planning and Chairperson of Bappenas, Mr. Paskah Suzetta

Ambassadors,

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

We are here today to launch the "Programme of Support for Deepening Democracy in Indonesia".

The four-year Programme builds upon the political momentum gained from the success of the 2004 general elections. This election had a 78% voter turnout and is indicative of the Indonesian people's desire for democracy.

The Programme was jointly designed with inputs from many government agencies and other stakeholders. It deals with three components of democracy -- civic education; electoral reform; and capacity development of parliamentary bodies, namely the People's Representative Council; the Regional Representative Council; and the People's Regional/Local Representative Council.

The Programme aims to encourage Indonesians to take an interest in democratic governance. It hopes to assist the KPU in becoming a fully independent body and build it a much needed resource centre by 2007. Lastly, it hopes to improve public access and build better relations between the people and their elected representatives. In short, the US$20 million Programme essentially aims to deepen democracy.

What exactly does deepening democracy mean? For any democracy to be effective, it must have the participation of both the people as well as their elected government. Deepening democracy involves assisting parliamentarians in becoming more responsive to their constituencies. It expects Government to deliver basic services to the public efficiently and effectively. And it challenges the public to equip themselves with knowledge and skills so that they can participate in the running of their country.

The Programme also hopes to harmonise the Government's priorities with respect to achieving its long-term development plans or the vision for 2025. The vision of a consolidated democracy by 2025 is a remarkable one, especially considering that just eight years ago, Indonesia was still ruled by an authoritarian regime. It is also one of the most noticeable measures taken to meet the challenge of becoming the world's third largest democracy. And it is a challenge that UNDP is more than happy to support.

Deepening democracy is all about widening the options open to Indonesians. And, this is connected with UNDP's agenda on human development. Advancing human development ultimately results in poverty reduction, improved healthcare, an increased level of education, an increased level of political and human rights … in short the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, which Indonesia is a signatory to. Hence this Programme is of special significance to UNDP because it not only serves the Indonesian people and their government, but also aims to fulfil one of the main goals of this organization.

Finally, democracy is not simply an end in itself. It is a means to ensure the basic rights of ordinary citizens. Democracy serves the people, particularly the vulnerable -- the poor, women and the disabled - ensuring that they have equal access to information, freedom of expression, and the rights to participate in policy-making processes. Deepening Democracy involves expanding the involvement of Indonesians in politics beyond the regular electoral cycle while helping government and other bodies to facilitate such participation. Indonesia has made a solid start down the road of democracy and now enters the next phase of the journey. We must consolidate and build on the work and progress achieved in the past eight years. We thank you for this opportunity, and I wish all of us here success in achieving "Vision 2025".